TESTING FOR AUTISM/DEVELOPMENTAL DELAYS
Autism Spectrum Disorder (previously Autistic Disorder; Asperger’s Disorder) has gained increased recognition over the past several years, and there has been a significant rise in the number of children diagnosed with this disorder. Autism Spectrum Disorder is characterized by symptoms such as poor social communication (e.g. poor eye contact, inability to engage in normal back-and-forth conversation), failure to develop peer relationships, rigid adherence to routines and rituals, and abnormally intense fixations and/or preoccupations. There may be delays in spoken language, inability to initiate or sustain conversation with others, and repetitive use of language that may not make sense to others. Children with ASD may also be very sensitive to certain visual stimuli, sounds, tastes, smells, or textures.
There is no single test to identify Autism Spectrum Disorder. A combination of assessments is used to identify social, emotional, and cognitive patterns consistent with this condition while ruling out other conditions that may have similar symptoms. At BASICS, we use autism-specific history-taking; the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) assessment; and other cognitive, language and adaptive behavior functioning assessments to reach a DSM-5 diagnosis. Our psychological reports focus on recommendations for specific treatment strategies, behavior and teaching methods and motivators—as well as the usual recommendations for hours and types of services.